Abstract: A feed unit for drilling and/or tapping comprising a housing, a quill in the housing movable between retracted and extended positions, the quill rotationally supporting a spindle for carrying a rotary tool, a screw for moving the quill between said positions, a ball spline shaft in the housing coaxial with the spindle, a ball spline nut having recirculating steel balls rolling in raceways on the ball spline shaft, the spindle radially supporting the ball spline shaft within the quill with zero clearance through the ball spline nut, rotation of the ball spline shaft being imparted to the spindle through the ball spline nut.

Abstract: A quill style drilling/milling end effector with high tool positioning accuracy, a pressure foot with fast response in force and displacement feedback, and with automatic mounting and dismounting, normality sensing, and through the tool coolant delivery.

Abstract: An industrial robot system includes an end effector connectable to a robot arm, a drive assembly, and a controller. The end effector includes a distal housing, a spindle assembly rotatable about a rotational axis, a drill bit rotatable about the rotational axis, and a sensor assembly. The sensor assembly includes a first light source, a second light source, and a photosensitive array. The first light source produces a first fan of light which is projected as a first line of light on the object surface. The second light source produces a second fan of light, which is projected as a second line of light on the object surface. The photosensitive array detects a first reflection line corresponding to the first line of light and a second reflection line corresponding to the second line of light.

Abstract: A quill style drilling/milling end effector with high tool positioning accuracy, a pressure foot with fast response in force and displacement feedback, and with automatic mounting and dismounting, normality sensing, and through the tool coolant delivery.

Abstract: An industrial robot system includes an end effector connectable to a robot arm, a drive assembly, and a controller. The end effector includes a distal housing, a spindle assembly rotatable about a rotational axis, a drill bit rotatable about the rotational axis, and a sensor assembly. The sensor assembly includes a first light source, a second light source, and a photosensitive array. The first light source produces a first fan of light which is projected as a first line of light on the object surface. The second light source produces a second fan of light, which is projected as a second line of light on the object surface. The photosensitive array detects a first reflection line corresponding to the first line of light and a second reflection line corresponding to the second line of light.

Abstract: A quill style drilling/milling end effector with high tool positioning accuracy, a pressure foot with fast response in force and displacement feedback, and with automatic mounting and dismounting, normality sensing, and through the tool coolant delivery.

Abstract: An industrial robot system includes an end effector connectable to a robot arm, a drive assembly, and a controller. The end effector includes a distal housing, a spindle assembly rotatable about a rotational axis, a drill bit rotatable about the rotational axis, and a sensor assembly. The sensor assembly includes a first light source, a second light source, and a photosensitive array. The first light source produces a first fan of light which is projected as a first line of light on the object surface. The second light source produces a second fan of light, which is projected as a second line of light on the object surface. The photosensitive array detects a first reflection line corresponding to the first line of light and a second reflection line corresponding to the second line of light.

Abstract: A quill style drilling/milling end effector with high tool positioning accuracy, a pressure foot with fast response in force and displacement feedback, and with automatic mounting and dismounting, normality sensing, and through the tool coolant delivery.

Abstract: A machining unit comprising a quill carrying a spindle, a tool clamping mechanism on a forward end of the spindle, a drive shaft for rotatably driving the spindle through the quill, a tool feed actuator for extending and retracting the quill to and from a home position in both axial directions, the clamping mechanism being arranged to grip a tool holder when the quill is at or forward of the home position and to release or accept a tool holder when it is rearward of the home position.

Abstract: A self-contained precision quill-feed unit is provided with a positive stop arrangement to control depth of tool feed. The stop position is adjustable from the exterior of the unit and the stop abutments associated with moving and stationary members are positioned in such manner that no yawing forces are imposed on the quill, drive shaft and spindle of the unit. Additionally, yawing forces generated by the mechanical resistance of a known type of hydraulic constant velocity control (CVC) cylinder are opposed by reaction forces associated with the anti-rotation linkage that prevents rotation of the quill. Together these features provide overall a machine in which quill, drive shaft and spindle deflection or yawing is minimized or prevented.